The mission that led to the death of Osama bin Laden was one of the most secretive and risky operations ever planned by the United States.
After discovering a suspicious compound in Pakistan, U.S. officials presented several options to President Obama. Air strikes and drone attacks were considered, but both carried major risks.
A bombing campaign could kill civilians, destroy crucial evidence, and create international backlash. There was even a chance that nobody would ever know whether Osama had actually been inside the compound.
Admiral William McRaven proposed a daring alternative: send Navy SEALs into Pakistan without informing its government, identify Osama face-to-face, and eliminate him directly.
Obama approved the plan, which was named Operation Neptune Spear. Navy SEAL Team Six was selected, and a full-scale replica of the compound was built for intensive training.
Every possible scenario was planned for. Backup teams, interrogation units, media strategies, and emergency escape routes were prepared as the mission moved toward its historic execution.